Semental Western Wear Co. rides into Steamboat Springs with exotic boots, Western fashion

Jose Barraga and Hugo Zamarrippa are the new owners of Semental Western Wear Co., a new boot and Western wear retail store in Steamboat Springs.
John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today

Business partners Hugo Zamarrippa and Jose Barragan stood in front of a wall full of exotic cowboy boots inside Semental Western Wear Co. on Thursday as they looked forward to what their store will offer once it is fully open.

“We are still waiting for merchandise to arrive,” Zamarrippa said. “We are expecting to get more deliveries this week, but right now we are still waiting.”

As more merchandise comes in, Zamarrippa said his plan is to fill the space — more than 1,000 square feet — with Western fashions and a mix of cowboy boots.



Many of the boots were created in Mexico, and right now he has about 33 boot styles on display. However, that number will likely grow to more than 100, as the supply from his vendors continues to arrive.

Many of the boots are arriving from Texas, but were imported from Leon, Guanajuato, an area that is well known for quality leather goods — including cowboy boots.



“The brand is from Texas, but all of these boots came from Leon, Guanajuato,” Zamarrippa said. “We carry a lot of exotic boots, but we have all kinds of styles for everyone. The point of this store is exotic goods, but eventually we are hoping to meet the needs of all the people in the community.”

Zamarrippa, who was raised in Monterrey, Mexico, worked in Western retail stores in Texas before moving to Steamboat Springs seven years ago. Barragan, who is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, said the store will reflect the owners’ culture with a Western flair.

The new store is at 635 S. Lincoln Ave. in the space where Comcast offices were located before moving to 1835 Central Park Drive, Suite 2.

The Semental Western Wear Co. opened its doors for a preview Wednesday with hopes of offering those in search of the perfect Valentine’s Day gift another option.

The store will officially open Monday, and Zamarrippa said it will be open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week.

The Semental Western Wear Co. will feature Tejido Botines 920 Artesanales made by Rock’em at its location at 635 S. Lincoln Ave. in the space where Comcast’s offices used to be.
John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today

Inside Semental Western Wear Co., customers will find a large selection of boots and Western wear from brands like Rock’em, Gurava, Platini, Ariat, Cinch, Wrangler, Wildflowers, Western Blue and HOMETOWN once all the stock has arrived.

In addition to traditional Western boots, customers at Semental Western Wear will find Botines 920 Artesanales (ankle boots), as well as a selection of cowboy hats, belts, bags and wallets, many featuring that Southwestern feel.

“These kinds of exotic boots are not easy to find; that is why we are bringing it closer to Craig, to the community in Steamboat, people in Hayden and in Kremmling, where people were asking me for a good pair of boots,” Zamarrippa said. “That’s why we decided to invest in this business.”

Semental Western Wear Co. offers a selection of men’s and women’s cowboy boots as well as Western wear. The new store is at 635 S. Lincoln Ave. in Steamboat Springs.
John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today
The shelves at Semental Western Wear Co. are full of boots including Tejido Botines 920 Artesanales (ankle boots) made by Rock’em.
John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today

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